What to Know About Repeat DWI Offenses in Texas

 Posted on January 17, 2024 in DWI

Getting charged with a repeat DWI is a serious offense in Texas that occurs when a person is charged with a DWI when they already have been convicted of a DWI in the past. As with other serious crimes in the state, Texas prosecutes cases very seriously, making it imperative for anyone facing charges to obtain the legal representation they need right away. Contact a lawyer sooner rather than later to get the exceptional representation you need to fight these serious charges. 

Defining Repeat DWI in Texas

In Texas, a repeat DWI refers to an individual being arrested and charged with DWI for the second or subsequent time. Under Texas law, repeat DWI offenses carry more severe penalties than first-time offenses, including higher fines, longer license suspensions, the installation of a mandatory ignition interlock device, and an extreme risk of jail time. 

Penalties for a Second DWI in Texas

A second DWI conviction is usually charged as a Class A misdemeanor as opposed to a felony. Class A misdemeanors are the highest level of misdemeanors in the state. As a result, while a second DWI may not be a felony, it is still a very serious charge. Taking such a charge lightly will increase the chance of a less-than-favorable case outcome. 

Remember, a second DWI will make it appear to the court that you have a pattern of driving drunk and breaking the law. Anything past a second DWI will likely only serve as confirmation to the eyes of the court that you are a person who cannot be trusted on the road. 

Penalties for a Third DWI in Texas 

A third DWI offense in Texas is a third-degree felony. A conviction of a felony DWI will be highly damaging to you, to the extent that it may prove challenging even to obtain an occupational driver’s license if you are convicted. Furthermore, a third DWI conviction can result in up to 10 years in prison. 

Contrary to popular belief, there is no “reset” period for DWI in Texas. Regardless of when you received your first DWI or second DWI,  your third DWI will be considered a felony if you have two prior convictions. 

Contact Our Fort Worth, TX Repeat DWI Defense Attorney

If you are facing charges related to this offense, you need to understand what exactly you are being charged with, as it will allow you to make better-informed decisions as you move through the criminal justice process. However, remember that building a strong defense will always involve hiring a skilled attorney. Contact the respected Tarrant County, TX DWI defense lawyer with The Dameron Law Firm for this type of legal guidance. Call 817-222-0624 for a free consultation.